In April 2024, AlUla, a tourist destination in northwestern Saudi Arabia, welcomed a new series of hot air balloons. These hot air balloons, which depict AlUla's iconic landscapes, adorn the sky with a riot of colours, adding to the charm of the thousand-year-old area. As currently the only commercial hot air balloon operator in Saudi Arabia, Hero Balloon Flights continues to enhance the visitor experience with this extraordinary view of AlUla from the sky in October 2023.
The new hot air balloon is a groundbreaking graphic design that is accurately reproduced through the world's largest all-digital printing process, providing an unparalleled sensory experience for passengers and viewers.
Hegra
The new hot air balloon features three themes that depict the natural wonders and cultural heritage of AlUla:
1. Hegra: A breathtaking historical site. Hagra is Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers an area of 52 hectares. Ancient mausoleums in the desert tell the story of AlUla's epic journey. Float over Hegra in a hot air balloon and enjoy the magic of nature from a unique perspective.
2. Arabian Leopard Day: A striking image of the Arabian leopard. Saudi Arabia and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) work together to preserve the precious natural heritage and restore the ecological balance. The balloon showcases the biodiversity of AlUla and aims to draw the world's attention to the endangered Arabian leopard.
3. Khaybar: Beautifully depicted volcanic landforms. Over the years, aerial archaeologists and photographers have worked tirelessly to explore the story of this lush oasis, using cutting-edge technology to find historical answers. Today, these unique geographies are on display in the skies above AlUla.
Arabian Leopard Day
Adam McEwan, CEO of Hero Balloon Flights, is excited about this milestone in the balloon revolution, saying, "We are thrilled to launch the world's largest fully digitally printed hot air balloon in such an amazing destination as AlUla, and this achievement demonstrates our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. A hot air balloon ride provides visitors with a unique perspective and an immersive view of the fantastic landscape beneath their feet. ”
These iconic hot air balloons reinvent the travel experience while also enhancing the image and reputation of the destination, attracting more travelers from around the world who prefer light adventure, cultural experiences and nature lovers to experience AlUla.
About AlUla:
AlUla, a city in northwestern Saudi Arabia, 1,100 kilometers from the capital Riyadh, is home to a rich natural and cultural heritage. Covering an area of 22,561 square kilometres, AlUla is a vast area with diverse geological structures. Lush valley oases, towering sandstone mountains, and historical and cultural sites dating back thousands of years chronicle the reign of the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms.
One of AlUla's most famous landmarks, Hegra, is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, a 52-hectare ancient city that was once the main southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom. More than 100 mausoleums in Hegra have been preserved to this day, and the sandstone carvings surrounding their facades are still alive and well. According to modern research, after the Roman Empire conquered the Nabataeans in 106 AD, Hegra became the southern border fortress at that time.
AlUla is also home to a number of fascinating historical and cultural heritages, including: ancient Dadan, the capital of the kingdoms of Dedan and Lehayani, considered one of the most developed cities in the Arabian Peninsula in the first century BC; Jabal Ikmah, known as an "open-air museum" for its hundreds of rock inscriptions in different languages; Dating back at least to the 12th century, the labyrinthine Old Town of AlUla is made up of more than 900 mud-brick houses; and key locations in the story of Lawrence of Arabia, the Hejaz Railway and the Hegra Fortress.